PACIFIC CONDEMNS AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S APPROVAL OF COAL MINE EXTENSIONS
Thursday 19 December 2024
Civil society in the Pacific has issued strong statements in response to the Albanese government’s approval earlier today of three coal mine extensions: Caval Ridge (Qld), Boggabri mine (NSW) and Lake Vermont (Qld).
Teresa Lifuka-Drecala, President of the National Tuvalu Youth Council: “To endorse three new coal mine extensions is defeating the “fale pili, mata vuvale”, so-called family concept that the Australian Government has been trying to establish with Pacific Island nations. This “family union” is often showcased at the global level when in fact the Australian Government fails miserably at having our best interests at heart, saving our lands and protecting Oceania.”
Miriam Moriati, President of Kiribati RotorAct Youth: "It is completely unethical for the Australian government to make decisions that further contribute to climate change without taking into account the impacts of these decisions on those who are at the forefront of climate change both within Australia and neighbouring Pacific islands. It shows that they are not serious about fighting climate change - the one thing that we Pacific Islanders have been fighting and advocating for. What about the friendship with us which the Australian government talks about in the media?"
Aselu O’Brien, land surveyor and member of Tuvalu Climate Warriors: “For us in the Pacific, Moana’s words - Nalo wants to end our story; we’re not letting that happen - resonate deeply. Approving new coal mines is a direct threat to our homelands, where rising seas are already swallowing our shores and displacing our people. These decisions feel like an erasure of our future—a choice to prioritize profit over the survival of cultures, lands, and communities that have existed for generations. We are calling on Australia to stop approving new coal mines and stand with the Pacific, not against us. Our story is not over, and we will continue to fight for our lands, our people, and the generations to come.”
Anna Teruabine Nuariki, board member of the Tungaru Climate Alliance, Kiribati: “It is heartbreaking to know that Australia, as a big sister whom we rely on to fight and promote our voices, makes decisions that are directly against our best interests. This is an unethical and selfish decision that will have great impact on our lives and those of our future generations.”
Together, it is estimated that the three mine extensions just approved by the Albanese government will add more than 880 million tonnes of carbon emissions to the atmosphere, close to double Australia’s total annual emissions. The vast majority of the pollution from these mines will be emitted when the coal is exported and burnt overseas and, as such, are ignored by the Australian Government and not taken into account in decision-making.
Edmund Rice Centre Director ‘Alopi Latukefu:
‘Our responsibility to the Pacific if we are part of the family is to protect and make decisions in the interests of all the family and not just ourselves. When someone is putting themselves first and not looking after their family they are said to be Siokita (or selfish). With this decision Australia has shown itself to be exactly that.”
For more information, contact ‘Alopi Latukefu at [email protected]